Pupils from three Fife primary schools helped kick racism into touch as they took part in an anti-racism seminar at East End Park on Monday, 8th March 2010.

The event involving important names from the world of football and politics gave pupils from the local schools a chance to explore issues of racism and hear positive anti-racist messages, as well as getting the chance to meet an ex-Scotland International and players from Dunfermline Athletic FC.

Bryan Kirkaldy, Head of Education said: “This event is one of the many that our schools are keen to get involved in. In Fife we aim to give our pupils a broad and balanced education and by working in partnership with different organisations such as Show Racism the Red Card, we are not only providing new learning experiences but enabling our pupils to become responsible citizens and effective contributors to society.”

Show Racism The Red Card (SRTRC) is an anti-racist charity, established in January 1996. Their aim is to combat racism through enabling role models, who are predominantly but not exclusively footballers, to present an anti-racist message to young people and others.

As part of their programme to educate young people on anti-racism, they regularly organise seminars in partnership with local football clubs and schools. Dunfermline Athletic FC players Austin McCann, David Graham and Steven McDougall attended this event at East End Park.

Billy Singh, Campaign Manager of SRTRC said, “Football clubs are a big part of their local community, so it is great to be here at the home of Dunfermline Athletic to work with so many young people from the local schools. Young people look at footballers as role models, it is clear that today those role models are sending out a loud and important message to the pupils that racism is something that we should all work together to eradicate.”

This event has been organised together with Dunfermline Athletic Football Club (DAFC) and the children will have the opportunity to ask questions from a panel including Dee Kinning (SRTRC), players from DAFC, Gary McKay (ex Scotland and Hearts Player) and John Park (MSP).

A spokesperson from DAFC said, "DAFC are delighted to have been asked to be involved in this event. As a major part of the Community in West Fife we have a part to play in kicking racism out of football and society in general. This is the second event of its type held here at East End Park and we hope to continue this partnership with Show Racism the Red Card for many years."

Local MSP John Park added, “The work Show Racism the Red Card campaign does in educating young people and wider society is fantastic. Using football as an educational tool is close to my heart and, for me, Show Racism the Red Card is the best example of using football as a force for good.”

This event was supported by UNISON Scotland.

We would like to thank all those that made this event possible. We would especially like to thank Commercial Primary, Masterton Primary and St Bride's Primary for attending the event and their very positive input throughout the day.